Hey all. I need advice or tricks on breaking loose the bolts that hold the steering rack in place to the frame. They are solid and wont budge. I am replacing the rack bushings but I cant get the bolts loose. Thank you so much. Hope you all had a happy thanksgiving!!

 

1/2" drive breaker bar with cheater? or oxy-aceteylene. nothing else I've ever tried will break loose super stubborn bolts short of those 2 methods. maybe heat would be your safer bet to avoid snapping the bolt and having a massive problem. even if you had to pay someone to crack them loose and get them started??

 

How about Butane torch to heat them up, they're probably on locktite so you have to heat them up.

 

Perfect. I will use heat. Thank you so much!!

 

i have never found propane to get hot enough. is butane much better than propane for heat? you have nothing to lose trying, but don't be surprised if that doesn't do it.

I have tried many penetrating oils like PB Blaster, Moovit, WD40, Liquid Wrench, etc..., and when the bolt is that stubborn, they do nothing. The best one i ever used was Ford Heat Rust Solvent: not sure if Ford still sells it.

 

Might have to use combination of both. Penetrating fluid and heat. Personal favorite PB blaster

 

All I needed was PB Blaster, let it soak for 30 min, and my 1/2" breaker and it came loose. YAY! Do I need to use locktite when I put it back in? If so, what color of locktite? Thanks all

 

Also, does anyone know the torque spec for the bolt when I put this back together?

 

COOL!!! that's awesome. i hate stuck bolts due to risk of breaking off. or heat distorting the hole you are removing it from. so glad to hear it went well.

 

Thanks... I appreciate everyones advice!! So far so good!!